Cpl. Johnny Ashe Selected as Georgia's Wild Turkey Federation Officer of the Year

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (11/23/2009)

The Georgia Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation recently honored Cpl. Johnny Ashe with the "Officer of the Year" award, announces the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division. Cpl. Ashe, a conservation ranger assigned to Dodge County, now also is eligible to receive the national award from the NWTF.

"Cpl. Ashe is a tremendous asset to the protection of wildlife and natural resources in the state," says Lt. Col. Homer Bryson. "His efforts this past year have been significant in the protection of wild turkeys, and we are grateful to have him as part of this team."

Cpl. Johnny Ashe, assigned to Dodge County in Southeast Georgia, handles many areas of duty relative to the protection of wild turkeys. He participates in many education and outreach efforts, including National Wild Turkey Federation events and hunter education programs. He collaborates with and advises conservation rangers within his work unit, including working with other officers as a team for specific investigations.

One of the highlights of the past year was the successful handling of a case that stretched over several months. The investigation involved multiple suspects and revealed the illegal taking of 27 wild turkeys from the Dodge and Laurens County area. The investigation itself took more than 75 days and 521 work hours and included charges of hunting out of season, hunting without a license and possession of illegally taken wildlife. Two additional officers, RFC Barry Britt and RFC Rodney Horne, also were instrumental during this investigation and should be commended.

For more information about the Georgia Chapter of the NWTF Officer of the Year Award, call (770) 918-6408. For more information on turkey hunting in Georgia, visit www.gohuntgeorgia.com .